Hemadus

Hemadus is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with symptomatic anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Roxadustat is an orally bioavailable, hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), with potential anti-anemic activity. Upon administration, roxadustat binds to and inhibits HIF-PH, an enzyme responsible for the degradation of transcription factors in the HIF family under normal oxygen conditions. This prevents HIF breakdown and promotes HIF activity. Increased HIF activity leads to an increase in endogenous erythropoietin production, thereby enhancing erythropoiesis. It also reduces the expression of the peptide hormone hepcidin, improves iron availability, and boosts hemoglobin (Hb) levels. HIF regulates the expression of genes in response to reduced oxygen levels, including genes required for erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. Administration of roxadustat has been shown to induce coordinated erythropoiesis, increasing red blood cell count while maintaining plasma erythropoietin levels within or near normal physiologic range, in multiple subpopulations of CKD patients, including in the presence of infammation, and without a need for supplemental intravenous iron. Roxadustat reversibly binds to and potently inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase enzymes, reducing HIF-α breakdown and promoting HIF transcriptional activity. Activation of the HIF pathway in this manner results in the induction of target genes involved in erythropoiesis, such as those for EPO, EPO receptor, proteins promoting iron absorption, iron transport and haem synthesis. Roxadustat dose-dependently increased haemoglobin (Hb) levels, signifcantly reduced hepcidin levels and transiently increased endogenous EPO levels within or near physiological range in patients with anemia of CKD who were not dialysis dependent. Roxadustat reduced the dysregulation of iron metabolism associated with CKD by increasing serum transferrin, intestinal iron absorption and the release of stored iron in a dose-dependent manner in patients with anemia associated with dialysis dependent or dialysis-independent CKD. Cholesterol levels were also signifcantly reduced from baseline with roxadustat, regardless of the use of statins or other lipid-lowering agents.

The appropriate dose of roxadustat must be taken orally three times per week and not on consecutive days. The dose should be individualized to achieve and maintain target Hb levels of 10 to 12 g/dL as described below: Patients not on erythropoiesis-stimulating agent treatment : For adults, the usual starting dose is 50 mg three times weekly. The recommended starting dose of roxadustat is 70 mg three times per week in patients weighing less than 100 kg and 100 mg three times per week in patients weighing 100 kg and over. Patients switching from erythropoiesis-stimulating agents : For adults, the usual starting dose is 70 or 100mg three times weekly. The dosage thereafter should be adjusted according to the patient's condition. Dose adjustment : When dose adjustments are required, increase or decrease the dose according to the "Dose increase/decrease table" and "stepwise Dose adjustment sequence" below. Once adjusted, maintain the dose level for ≥4 weeks. If the hemoglobin concentration increases rapidly (>2.0 g/dL) within 4 weeks of a dose increase, decrease the dose or suspend the treatment immediately. The stepwise dose adjustments up or down should follow the sequence of the available doses : 20 mg-40 mg-50 mg-70 mg-100 mg-150 mg-200 mg-250 mg-300 mg-400 mg (only for CKD patients on dialysis). Missed dose : When there is ≥ 24-hour interval until the next scheduled dosing time, take the missed dose immediately and follow the prescribed schedule for subsequent doses. If there is <24 hours until the next scheduled dosing time, skip the missed dose, and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take 2 doses on the same day. Method of administration : Roxadustat tablets are to be taken orally with or without food.

Hemadus in combination with other medications may have drug-drug interaction. Hemadus with Phosphate binders and other products containing multivalent cation (EXCEPT) lanthanum carbonate:

Risk: decreased Hemadus AUC by 67% and 46% and Cmax by 66% and 52%

Recommendation: Hemadus should be taken at least 1 hour after administration of phosphate binders or other medicinal products or supplements containing multivalent cations.

Hemadus with gemfbrozil (CYP2C8 and OATP1B1inhibitor) or probenecid (UGT and OAT1/OAT3 inhibitor)

Risk: increased Hemadus AUC by 2.3- fold and Cmax by 1.4-fold

Recommendation: Adjust the dose of Hemadus following dose adjustment rules based on Hb monitoring.

Hemadus with OATP1B1 or BCRP Substrates (simvastatin, rosuvastatin & atorvastatin)

Risk: AUC and Cmax increased

Recommendation: Adjust the dose of Hemadus following dose adjustment rules based on Hb monitoring.

The common adverse reactions associated with Hemadus are hypertension, vascular access thrombosis, diarrhoea, peripheral oedema, hyperkalaemia and nausea.

Do not administered to women that may be pregnant or pregnant. Roxadustat is contraindicated during breast-feeding.

Hemadus tablets should be used in caution. It may initiate few thrombotic vascular events (TVEs) particularly in patients with pre-existing risk factors for TVE, including obesity and prior history of TVEs. Hemadus should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures. Hemadus should not be administered if the patient has serious signs and symptoms of an infection. Hemadus should not be administered if the patient has liver disorder. Hemadus should not be initiated in pregnant women.

Symptoms : When Hemadus was administered 5 mg/kg (510 mg) to a single healthy adult, increased heart rate transient have been reported. Hemoglobin concentration by overdosage of Hemadus is likely to increase more than necessary. Treatment : Appropriate measures of dose reduction or interruption, etc. of Hemadus. Hemadus is not removed by dialysis.

Store in a cool (below 30°C), dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.